Evaluation of the Swedish participation in the Halden Reactor Project 2006–2014

• This is a report on the evaluation of the Swedish participation in the Halden Reactor Project 2006-2014. The study has consisted in evaluating the types and extent of added value from the Swedish participation in the Halden Reactor Project, and to determine what additional added value the participation could supply for the Swedish authority.It can be concluded from the study that the impacts from the Halden Reactor Project are extensive and wide ranging, reaching beyond the scope of what has been possible to cover in the evaluation. This limitation is mainly due to the long history and continuity of the collaboration, extending far beyond the scope of the study. The evaluation further concludes that the Halden Reactor Project has come to play a systemic role for the nuclear sector in Sweden, supplying significant portions of the data underlying safety oriented research and development within the areas concerned. These impacts have mainly been realized in industry, and are promoted in particular by voluntary, bottom-up coordination and engagement by industry stakeholders. Academia has seen little added value from the Swedish participation in the Halden Reactor Project, while the public sector has benefited somewhat, however, its engagement has been limited in comparison with peer countries Finland and Switzerland.The evaluation team recommends that the Swedish stakeholders continue funding the participation in the Halden Reactor Project. Additionally, the Swedish authority’s funding of research infrastructures in general should be safeguarded by acknowledging this type of investment in the research strategy. The distinct and fundamental role of research infrastructures in innovation systems is being increasingly recognized, and the participation in the Halden Reactor Project is a clear example of the value of such institutions for the continuous expansion of knowledge. Furthermore, the Swedish strategy for benefiting from the Halden Reactor Project should be further elaborated, taking into account the possible actions of strengthening coordination, increasing funding to supplementary domestic research, and reviewing the responsibilities of the officials administering the Swedish participation.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Statsvetenskap -- Studier av offentlig förvaltning (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Political Science -- Public Administration Studies (hsv//eng)

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